Objective: To study the inductive effects of aluminum (Al) on metallothioneine (MT) in rats.
Methods: Inductive experiment of MT was conducted with Al administration in 16 SD rats, divided into trial and control groups, for two weeks by subcutaneous injection and gastric tube.
Results: Al could induce liver MT in the rats, to certain extent, especially more significantly by subcutaneous injection than by oral administration of Al. Oral administration of Al also could induce MT in the small intestine. Induction of MT by Al reflected the body response to stress, the metal poison Al.
Conclusion: It postulated that combination of Al with MT was unstable due to its chemical property, so, its detoxication effect was uncertain. In addition, induction of MT in different sites, such as liver and small intestine, by Al could influence the normal metabolism of metal elements, such as zinc, etc.